Aishihik Re-Licensing Progress Report

Aishihik re-licensing Progress Report

July 2018 Yukon Energy’s water use license for the Aishihik hydro facility expires at the end of 2019. The license, along with a Fisheries Act Authorization, sets out the rules for how the facility can operate. In January 2016, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and Yukon Energy agreed to take a new, more collaborative approach to the water license renewal. We are working in partnership on proposed terms and conditions for a new license and have a Protocol Agreement in place for the co- management of the license renewal process. Together we are reviewing and weighing all possible options for operating the lake and downstream flows. We are getting close to the end of this process and hope to conclude this stage of our work by this fall. See page 2 of this sheet for next steps. Co-management – how does it work? We have established a steering committee (one member each from CAFN and Yukon Energy) to oversee the work and provide high level guidance. Two advisory committees have been established; one called the Aishihik Advisory Committee (made up of CAFN, Yukon Energy, various government departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organizations) that makes recommendations on technical issues. That committee’s final goal is to recommend the future operation of the lake and the downstream flows. The other committee is made up of eight appointed CAFN citizens who provide community perspectives and input into the process. We also maintain consultation with CAFN and the public. What options are being considered? The options are wide-ranging, from maintaining the status quo with some operational flexibility, to returning the lake to levels seen before the Aishihik generating facility was built. What studies have been done, and did you consider traditional knowledge? CAFN is leading the traditional knowledge research. That work, when complete, will help inform and make decisions about the project. There has been significant research done by a team of consultants directed by both CAFN and Yukon Energy. The studies address the impact of the Aishihik generating facility on water, the land around the lake and downstream from it, fish, animals, and people. Timeline Yukon Energy/CAFN protocol January 2016 agreement established

Interests and values identiﬁed 2016–2018 Technical and traditional knowledge studies underway or completed

Summer/Fall Consider options and develop We are here 2018 ﬁnal proposal

Participatory workshop in Haines Junction with September members of CAFN, the Aishihik Advisory Committee, the Champagne Aishihik Community 5 – 7, 2018 Advisory Committee, representatives of the CAFN government and Yukon Energy, and their technical support staff. Participants will be asked for their thoughts about the proposed alternatives.

Public information meetings in Fall 2018 Haines Junction and Whitehorse

Late 2018/ YESAB assessment early 2019

2019 Water Board submission

We want your input CAFN and Yukon Energy will continue to work collaboratively on reaching a decision by this fall. A key part in that process is to hear from you. What are your views on the future operation of Aishihik Lake? There will be public information sessions scheduled for later this fall. Watch for details about time/ location in the near future.

Thank you for your interest. Kwänaschis.